The two patents describe ways in which microprocessors fine-tune graphics by balancing the flow of data from various sources.

Apple had no comment on the lawsuit filed late last week in a U.S. District Court in Arkansas. Nintendo and Sony didn't immediately reply to requests for comment.

The patents were originally owned by Alliance Semiconductor Corp., which was founded in 1985, and became "renowned worldwide" for making faster memory and graphics semiconductors for computers, according to the lawsuit. At one time, the filing states, Alliance had 144 employees, and generated tens of millions of dollars in net revenue.

But after several years of substantial operating losses, the company in 2005 transitioned to a holding company, and ultimately sold the patents to what is now Shared Memory Graphics.

The suit, filed in a U.S. District Court in Arkansas, demands unspecified monetary damages

The litigation targets several high profile products. Nintendo's Wii, even though sales are slowing from their initial hectic pace, continues to a leading seller. Apple's iPod Touch, combined with the iPhone, are both major profit and revenue drivers at Apple. The same can be said for Sony's PS2 and PSP game consoles.

Apple shares were down 1%, to $138.61, on Monday. Sony was up 0.3%, to $25.27, and Nintendo added 0.9% to $34.40.

Can't read the whole article as I don't have a subscription to WSJ. So can't comment on it weather it holds any water or not, but I did submit it to digg and if I remember correctly if it makes to the front page then the article is opened up for everyone.

I did a quick search on Yahoo! News and got this:

The two patents, originally owned by Alliance Semiconductor, describe ways in which microprocessors fine-tune graphics by balancing the flow of data from various sources.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the suit was filed at the US District Court of Arkansas and demands unspecified monetary damages.

The plaintiff's attorneys are fighting for a "reasonable royalty" from Apple, Sony, Nintendo, along with enhanced damages from Sony.

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@ChickenBrutus- Just had to try to out do him didn't you? Was funny though.

I can't take any credit for it...I'm quoting a skit from The State. Vendetta reminded me, and I thought it was one of those rare skits that works just as good written down as it does in performance. V. wins for originality, no question.

Are you lawsuit-happy and you wish to lawsuit somebody just for kicks and giggles? I'm Don Law,and I lawsuit people every day,just call.Do you need a new car? I'm Don Law,I have a million cars. Just call.Do you want a new donkey? I'm Don Law,I have donkeys. Just call.Do you wish to be filthy rich? I'm filthy rich,just call.Do you wish to get a date,ladies? I'm Don Law,and I'm the most handsome lawyer around. Just call.You can call me with this number:1-800-DONKEY LAW Or you can visit our website:www.LawyersRUs.com

On topic: My sister gave me the State DVD set as an early birthday gift. She is my new favorite person.

Also, I used to have two umbrellas.

Your sister sounds like my kind of guy!

I'm working my way through the DVD set as well. It's really, really brilliant stuff; a few of the skits show their age, but overall it's held up remarkably well. They loaded it up with great extras, too...definitely a good buy. I think I'll be giving some out to friends as Xmas gifts, too.